How to Clean Your Real Leather Jacket

Real leather is expensive and it's not a secret anymore. So, whenever someone buys it, it's considered an investment. 

However, imagine your jacket starts cracking and has stains. It will look bad, right?

It happens when you don't properly clean your jacket, and your cleaning techniques aren't up to par. For example, professionals forbid using too much water because water can cause stiffness and cracking. 

This means that you have to be careful when cleaning the leather jackets. It will keep the oil and dirt away from the leather, promising a longer life. So, if you want to clean the jacket, this article will be a helpful guide for you!

How to Clean Genuine Leather Jacket?

Here, are the following steps to follow for leather jacket cleaning and maintenance; 

Preparation

Preparing for the cleaning will make sure you've everything handy. This section will help you collect the important items. Keeping your cleaning supplies in one place is better to ensure the cleaning process is simple. 

It is important to have a soft brush, mild soap, and leather conditioner. In addition, make sure you have a clean microfiber cloth ready. If you don't want to use the soap, you can get a leather cleaner from the market because it actually cleans the debris. 

Also, when you purchase the conditioner, ensure it's suitable for use on your jacket. That's because a conditioner differs from the leather type. After gathering the supplies, look for ripping or stains. In addition to this, you have to clear out the pockets of your jacket. 

05 Tasks of Leather Jacket Cleaning

Preparation is only the first step, and the real work starts now. There are five steps for cleaning your leather jacket, which we are explaining below. 

Spot Test

The spot test will help check if the leather can work with the cleaning solution you are using. For this purpose, look for the hidden part of the jacket. In most cases, you can check on the inside of the jacket. If the cleaning solution doesn't damage the leather or cause discoloration, you can go ahead. 

Remove Surface Dirt

It would help if you gently brush the entire jacket with circular motions. Using a brush is important to remove the dirt and dust because the buildup can cause cracks. The bristles are slightly tricky if dirt accumulates in the cuffs and collar area. 

Clean with a Mild Solution

The second step is to pour mild soap on the microfiber cloth and clean the jacket. It would help if you used the dabbing technique because it prevents damage. Also, it would help if you dabbed inward to prevent stains from spreading. Also, whatever you do, never scrub. If there are soap residues, use a clean cloth. 

Dry the Jacket

Once you remove the stain, let the jacket dry at room temperature. Don't use sunlight, fans, and hairdryers to dry the jackets. That's because they can cause cracks. It is better to use a hanger for your jacket so the jacket stays in proper shape. 

Conditioning

This is the last step in which you will apply the conditioner. Using a microfiber cloth to apply the conditioner and buff it is better. It would help if you used circular motions and gentle pressure. After this, give your jacket an hour to dry properly. Then, you can wear it as you want! 

How to Clean Different Parts of Jacket

Many parts of a jacket will need your special attention. This is why we are sharing how you can clean different parts of the jacket. 

Collars and Cuffs

First, you can use the same brush to clean the cuffs and collars. Remember that leather might be challenging at these points, but the bristles will be enough. 

Zippers

You've to remove the dust and grit with a brush. Then, you can use the zip cleaner to clean. You can also use your regular toothbrush to clean the dust particles from the zipper. Also, you should open and close the zips multiple times to ensure the cleaner is distributed correctly. 

Pockets and Lining

The easiest way is to pull out the pockets (yes, inside out). Then, you can use the cleaning solution to wipe the pockets and the lining. 

Using A Washing Machine to Clean the Real Leather - Is It a Yes or No?

No, it's a no! 

It would be best never to use the washing machine to clean leather jackets. That's because if real leather absorbs water and hard detergents, it will break down. Also, the washing machines use the agitation method, which can completely ruin the jacket's structure. 

How to Protect Real Leather from Stains?

It would be best if you cleaned the dust and dirt regularly. Secondly, make sure the cleaning solution is suitable for leather. In addition, whenever something is spilled on the jacket, clean it as soon as possible. Also, invest in a leather protectant.

How to Clear Oil Stains from Real Leather Jacket?

You can use cornstarch or baking soda. You must apply it all over the oil stains and let it be for a few hours. They will absorb the oil. Then, you can simply wipe off the powder with a clean cloth.

The Consequences of Not Cleaning the Leather Jacket

The jacket will start looking dry and cracked because cleaning also includes conditioning. The conditioning process helps retain the natural oils of the leather. In addition, many parts will become discolored, leading to an old and weary look. 

Additional Tips of Leahter Jacket Cleaning

• Purchase a leather protector because it keeps the stains away.  
• Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals on the jacket.  
• It is important to store the jacket properly. You can use the garment bags or regular white bed sheets to wrap the jacket. However, never use plastic because it can dry out the leather. 
• Condition the jacket at least once a year. If you wear the jacket regularly, you have to condition it after every six months. 
• Try to do a spot test with the jacket. You can use mild cleaning soap on some hidden parts of the jacket to see if it is okay. If the color of the leather changes too much, you shouldn't use that cleaning solution. 
• Never stuff the jacket's pockets too much because it will stretch it. As a result, it will crack. 
• Do not apply cologne or perfume directly on the jacket because the alcohol will stain it. 
• Always use gentle pressure while cleaning the jacket, as extreme pressure or scrubbing will be wrong. 

Conclusion

A real leather jacket is always expensive. For this reason, you should focus on proper cleaning and maintenance to take care of its color and softness. With this article, we tried to share the step-by-step guide that will clean and protect your jacket from wearing down. 

Clean the jacket regularly with a brush if you want to maintain the leather quality. However, you can also hire a professional to do the job if you cannot clean it. The professionals will have the right cleaning supplies as well as the right experience to handle different types of leather!